What is the Proper Role of Government? Exploring the Tension Between Federal, State and Local Authority

When

Friday, January 27, 2017

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location

Hyatt Regency Hotel, Austin, Texas

Please click here for a summary video of the conference and weekend activities.

Registration for the 31st Texas Lyceum Public Conference is open. Please review the conferenceagendaand clickhereto register. Lyceum-only events take place January 25-26. Members of the public are invited to register for the Conference taking place on Friday, January 27.

Almost as old as our nation itself, a struggle has existed between the powers enumerated to the federal government versus those of state and local governments. More than 150 years ago, this conflict erupted into a costly and bloody Civil War. In 2017, the modern war over government control is fought via competing legislation, lawsuits and eventual judicial determination. While the battle is not bloody, it is certainly expensive and no less fervent.

Texas is the perfect microcosm to explore this tension over proper government authority. A state that was once a nation itself, Texans are confident in their ability to manage their affairs with limited or no federal control or assistance. While its state-level governance is conservative in nature, Texas contains major urban centers or “blue islands” that often oppose the legislation passed in Austin. The Texas Lyceum’s 2017 Public Conference will examine this tension over proper power on a range of topics including education, taxes, border control, the sharing economy, pension reform and social justice concerns.

The conference will feature officials from all tiers of government, influential business leaders as well as members of the judiciary. Mayors will make their case, state legislators will argue their positions and former federal officials will comment on federal policies. Conference participants will have a close-up opportunity to listen, learn and question everyone involved.

No refunds for conference registration will be given after January 23, 2017.